Dogs Pulled from 130+ Degree Car When Sheriff's Deputy Smashes In Window

Two dogs were rescued Monday from a vehicle parked at a Southern California courthouse after a Riverside County sheriff's deputy smashed one of the car's windows.

With temperatures nearing triple digits, the officer broke into the Smart car at the Larson Justice Center in Indio so animal control officers could retrieve the dogs, Riverside County Animal Services spokesman John Welsh said.

Temperatures inside the car reached 130 degrees.  It was about 97 degrees outside.

"Although the temperature had reached 130+ inside the closed car, the dogs were fine and didn’t have any issues after their medical examinations, according to our officer," Welsh said.

The dogs' owner will be cited, Welsh said. It is illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle unattended.

"Anyone in their right mind should know that you don't leave an animal in a car on a day like today," said Animal Services Cmdr. Rita Gutierrez.

Welsh said the owner of the dogs does have a right to claim their dogs and take them back.

Earlier this month, a woman was arrested for allegedly leaving a dog in her vehicle -- with the windows closed -- in Coachella for more than a day, resulting in its death.